I speak often about the power of books and the difference they can make in our lives.
Since I realized that there was joy to be found in reading books that weren't necessarily on a required reading list, they have been a constant source of inspiration and growth throughout my life, shaping both my personal and professional journey. They offer the wisdom of others, the challenge of new ideas, and the opportunity for reflection, all of which have enriched my thinking as a neurosurgeon, coach, and member of the human race. I believe in the transformative power of reading, and through these book reviews, I strive to share the insights I've gained from works that have had a profound impact on me.
Here's a list of books that I have previously reviewed and recommended here on my website.
Warning: Possible side effects include new interests, new ideas, exposure to new information, and adjustment of old attitudes.
Edward Weston was a famed (in his time) long-distance and endurance walker who in 1909, at age 70, walked cross-country in 105 days. Wayne Curtis weaves a fascinating read about the power of walking.
I just finished listening to Eben Alexander’s Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife. Because I am in the car driving so much I often “read” books this way and I highly recommend it.
The New York Times and The New Yorker gave Do No Harm, by Henry Marsh. solid reviews, which it deserves. It’s by an English neurosurgeon who chronicles his career experience, the highs and lows.
Book Review of Edmund Morris' Book "The Living Hand". Highly recommended by Dr. McLaughlin. Brain-like, it [The Library of Congress] silently throbs with knowledge, and invisible connections-fact to fact, thought to thought..
My review of Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield. A worthwhile new book to add too your reading list. How can we glimpse the world of the gods with more frequency, even regularity?
I became a huge fan of Andy Andrews, a New York Times Best Seller author, seven years ago. If you haven’t read any of his books, I urge you to pick up a copy of The Traveler’s Gift. It won’t disappoint. An Entertaining and Inspiring read.
Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed, written by Harvard Business Review journalist Daniel McGinn, covers the entire landscape of mental prep for high achievement. I thought I knew the whole story on this topic, but Psyched Up taught me new techniques that I can use in my daily life.
Firlik covers the entire territory of being a neurosurgeon, the highest of highs and lowest of lows. The need for a surgeon to be a ray of hope, as well as the relater of harsh truth. Dealing with surgeons with big egos. Recognizing when a seemingly straightforward condition may indicate a potentially fatal brain infection.
Review of Christopher Ahmad’s book SKILL: 40 Principles That Surgeons, Athletes, And Other Elite Performers Use to Achieve Mastery. I also identify my pick of the top three skills that neurosurgeons should strive to adopt. Ahmad's book is a powerful and insightful read for anyone who is pursuing the goal of peak performance.
A review of "Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War" by Karl Marlantes. With a son of my own following a career as a Marine, this was an intriguing and challenging book.
Just finished Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Mom is smiling down from Heaven. 12 years ago she gave me an autographed copy that she got when Dr. Verghese was passing through Short Hills, NJ
Cognitive Dominance: Reflections on the 5th Anniversary of Publication. Dr. McLaughlin reflects on the publication of his ground breaking book on the nature of fear and performance.
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